Planetary gear train of automatic transmission for vehicle

ABSTRACT

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventh rotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotation element; and a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth rotation element, an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfth rotation element.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0087713 filed on Jun. 19, 2015, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an automatic transmission for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle that improves power delivery performance and reduces fuel consumption by achieving ten forward speed stages and widening gear ratio span using a minimum number of constituent elements and securing linearity of step ratios.

Description of Related Art

In recent years, a rise in oil price causes dashing into unlimited competition for enhancing fuel efficiency.

As a result, researches into reduction of a weight and the enhancement of the fuel efficiency through down sizing are conducted in the case of an engine and researches for simultaneously securing operability and fuel efficiency competitiveness through multiple speed stages are conducted in the case of an automatic transmission.

However, in the automatic transmission, as the number of speed stages increase, the number of internal components increase, and as a result, mountability, cost, weight, transmission efficiency, and the like may still deteriorate.

Accordingly, development of a planetary gear train which may bring about maximum efficiency with a small number of components may be important in order to increase a fuel efficiency enhancement effect through the multistages.

In this aspect, in recent years, 8-speed automatic transmissions tend to be implemented and the research and development of a planetary gear train capable of implementing more speed stages has also been actively conducted.

However, since a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission has gear ratio span of 6.5-7.5, improvement of fuel economy may not be great.

In addition, if 8-speed automatic transmission has gear ratio span larger than 9.0, it is hard to secure linearity of step ratios. Therefore, driving efficiency of an engine and drivability of a vehicle may be deteriorated, and thus, development of high efficiency automatic transmissions which achieve at least nine forward speed stages is necessary.

The information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having advantages of improving power delivery performance and fuel economy by achieving ten forward speed stages and two reverse speed stages and widening gear ratio span and of securing linearity of step ratios.

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, wherein the input shaft is directly connected to the fourth rotation element and is selectively connected to the eleventh rotation element, the output shaft is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element, the twelfth rotation element is directly connected to the eighth rotation element, the third rotation element is directly connected to the seventh and tenth rotation elements, the second rotation element is directly connected to the sixth rotation element, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the eighth rotation element, the fourth rotation element is selectively connected to the fifth rotation element, the third rotation element is selectively connected to the fifth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the ninth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing.

The first, second, and third rotation elements of the first planetary gear set may be a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set may be a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements of the third planetary gear set may be a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements of the fourth planetary gear set may be a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear.

Each of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets may be a single pinion planetary gear set.

The planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation element to the eighth rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation element to the fifth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eleventh rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element to the fifth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation element to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the ninth rotation element to the transmission housing.

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, wherein the input shaft is directly connected to the fourth rotation element and is selectively connected to the eleventh rotation element, the output shaft is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element, the twelfth rotation element is directly connected to the eighth rotation element, the third rotation element is directly connected to the seventh and tenth rotation elements, the second rotation element is directly connected to the sixth rotation element, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the eighth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the sixth rotation element, the third rotation element is selectively connected to the fifth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the ninth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing.

The first, second, and third rotation elements of the first planetary gear set may be a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, the fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements of the second planetary gear set may be a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements of the third planetary gear set may be a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements of the fourth planetary gear set may be a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear.

Each of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets may be a single pinion planetary gear set.

The planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation element to the eighth rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fifth rotation element to the sixth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eleventh rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element to the fifth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation element to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the ninth rotation element to the transmission housing.

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; a first rotation shaft connected to the first rotation element and selectively connected to a transmission housing; a second rotation shaft connecting the second rotation element to the sixth rotation element; a third rotation shaft connecting the third rotation element to the seventh and tenth rotation elements; a fourth rotation shaft connected to the fourth rotation element and directly connected to the input shaft; a fifth rotation shaft connected to the fifth rotation element, selectively connected to the transmission housing, and selectively connected to the third rotation shaft; a sixth rotation shaft connecting the eighth rotation element to the twelfth rotation element, selectively connected to the first rotation shaft, and directly connected to the output shaft; a seventh rotation shaft connected to the ninth rotation element and selectively connected to the transmission housing; and an eighth rotation shaft connected to the eleventh rotation element and selectively connected to the input shaft, wherein the second planetary gear set is selectively locked-up by selectively connecting two rotation elements among three rotation elements of the second planetary gear set.

The first planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set and may include a first sun gear as the first rotation element, a first planet carrier as the second rotation element, and a first ring gear as the third rotation element. The second planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set and may include a second sun gear as the fourth rotation element, a second planet carrier as the fifth rotation element, and a second ring gear as the sixth rotation element. The third planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set and may include a third sun gear as the seventh rotation element, a third planet carrier as the eighth rotation element, and a third ring gear as the ninth rotation element. The fourth planetary gear set may be a single pinion planetary gear set and may include a fourth sun gear as the tenth rotation element, a fourth planet carrier as the eleventh rotation element, and a fourth ring gear as the twelfth rotation element.

In one aspect, the second planetary gear set may be locked-up by connection of the fourth rotation element and the fifth rotation element.

The planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the sixth rotation shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eighth rotation shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation shaft to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation shaft to the transmission housing.

In another aspect, the second planetary gear set may be locked-up by connection of the fifth rotation element and the sixth rotation element.

The planetary gear train may further include: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the sixth rotation shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the second rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eighth rotation shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation shaft to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation shaft to the transmission housing.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may achieve ten forward speed stages and two reverse speed stages by combining four planetary gear sets with seven control elements.

In addition, since gear ratio span greater than 9.0 is secured, driving efficiency of the engine may be maximized.

In addition, since linearity of step ratios is secured, drivability such as acceleration before and after shift, rhythmical engine speed, and so on may be improved.

The methods and apparatuses of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and the following Detailed Description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation chart of control elements at each speed stage in the planetary gear train according to the first and second exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various features illustrative of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

In the figures, reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is/are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

However, parts which are not related with the description are omitted for clearly describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and like reference numerals refer to like or similar elements throughout the specification.

In the following description, dividing names of components into first, second, and the like is to divide the names because the names of the components are the same as each other and an order thereof is not particularly limited.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a planetary gear train according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 disposed on the same axis, an input shaft IS, an output shaft OS, eight rotation shafts TM1 to TM8 connected to at least one of rotation elements of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, seven control elements C1 to C4 and B1 to B3, and a transmission housing H.

As a result, torque input from the input shaft IS is changed by cooperation of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, and the changed torque is output through the output shaft OS.

The simple planetary gear sets are disposed in a sequence of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 from an engine side.

The input shaft IS is an input member and power from a crankshaft of an engine is torque-converted through a torque converter to be input into the input shaft IS.

The output shaft OS is an output member, is disposed in parallel with the input shaft IS, and transmits driving torque to a driving wheel through a differential apparatus.

The first planetary gear set PG1 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a first sun gear S1, a first planet carrier PC1 rotatably supporting a first pinion P1 that is externally meshed with the first sun gear S1, and a first ring gear R1 that is internally meshed with the first pinion P1 respectively as first, second, and third rotation elements N1, N2, and N3.

The second planetary gear set PG2 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a second sun gear S2, a second planet carrier PC2 rotatably supporting a second pinion P2 that is externally meshed with the second sun gear S2, and a second ring gear R2 that is internally meshed with the second pinion P2 respectively as fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements N4, N5, and N6.

The third planetary gear set PG3 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a third sun gear S3, a third planet carrier PC3 rotatably supporting a third pinion P3 that is externally meshed with the third sun gear S3, and a third ring gear R3 that is internally meshed with the third pinion P3 respectively as seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements N7, N8, and N9.

The fourth planetary gear set PG4 is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a fourth sun gear S4, a fourth planet carrier PC4 rotatably supporting a fourth pinion P4 that is externally meshed with the fourth sun gear S4, and a fourth ring gear R4 that is internally meshed with the fourth pinion P4 respectively as tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements N10, N11, and N12.

The second rotation element N2 is directly connected to the sixth rotation element N6, the third rotation element N3 is directly connected to the seventh rotation element N7 and the tenth rotation element N10, and the eighth rotation element N8 is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element N12 such that the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 are operated with eight rotation shafts TM1 to TM8.

The eight rotation shafts TM1 to TM8 will be described in further detail.

The first rotation shaft TM1 is connected to the first sun gear S1 and is selectively connected to the transmission housing H.

The second rotation shaft TM2 connects the first planet carrier PC1 to the second ring gear R2.

The third rotation shaft TM3 connects the first ring gear R1, the third sun gear S3 and the fourth sun gear S4.

The fourth rotation shaft TM4 is connected to the second sun gear S2 and is directly connected to the input shaft IS so as to be continuously operated as an input element.

The fifth rotation shaft TM5 is connected to the second planet carrier PC2 and is selectively connected respectively to the third rotation shaft TM3 and the fourth rotation shaft TM4.

The sixth rotation shaft TM6 connects the third planet carrier PC3 to the fourth ring gear R4, is selectively connected to the first rotation shaft TM1, and is directly connected to the output shaft OS so as to be operated as an output element.

The seventh rotation shaft TM7 is connected to the third ring gear R3 and is selectively connected to the transmission housing H.

The eighth rotation shaft TM8 is connected to the fourth planet carrier PC4 and is selectively connected to the input shaft IS.

In addition, four clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4 being control elements are disposed at connection portions between any two rotation shafts among the rotation shafts TM1 to TM8 or between the input shaft IS and any one rotation shaft among the rotation shafts TM1 to TM8.

In addition, three brakes B1, B2, and B3 being control elements are disposed at connection portions between any one rotation shaft among the rotation shaft TM1 to TM8 and the transmission housing H.

The seven control elements C1 to C4 and B1 to B3 will be described in further detail.

The first clutch C1 is disposed between the first rotation shaft TM1 and the sixth rotation shaft TM6 and selectively causes the first rotation shaft TM1 and the sixth rotation shaft TM6 to integrally rotate with each other.

The second clutch C2 is disposed between the fourth rotation shaft TM4 and the fifth rotation shaft TM5 and selectively causes the fourth rotation shaft TM4 and the fifth rotation shaft TM5 to integrally rotate with each other.

The third clutch C3 is disposed between the input shaft IS and the eighth rotation shaft TM8 and selectively causes the input shaft IS and the eighth rotation shaft TM8 to integrally rotate with each other.

The fourth clutch C4 is disposed between the third rotation shaft TM3 and the fifth rotation shaft TM5 and selectively causes the third rotation shaft TM3 and the fifth rotation shaft TM5 to integrally rotate with each other.

The first brake B1 is disposed between the fifth rotation shaft TM5 and the transmission housing H and causes the fifth rotation shaft TM5 to be operated as a selective fixed element.

The second brake B2 is disposed between the first rotation shaft TM1 and the transmission housing H and causes the first rotation shaft TM1 to be operated as a selective fixed element.

The third brake B3 is disposed between the seventh rotation shaft TM7 and the transmission housing H and causes the seventh rotation shaft TM7 to be operated as a selective fixed element.

The control elements including the first, second, third, and fourth clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4 and the first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3 may be multi-plates friction elements of wet type that are operated by hydraulic pressure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a planetary gear train according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the second clutch C2 is disposed between the fourth rotation shaft TM4 and the fifth rotation shaft TM5 in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, but the second clutch C2 is disposed between the second rotation shaft TM2 and the fifth rotation shaft TM5 in the second exemplary embodiment.

The second clutch C2 in the second exemplary embodiment, the same as the second clutch C2 in the first exemplary embodiment, selectively connects any two rotation elements among three rotation elements of the second planetary gear set PG2 so as to cause the second planetary gear set PG2 to become a lock-up state.

FIG. 3 is an operation chart of control elements at each speed stage in the planetary gear train according to the first and second exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, three control elements are operated at each speed stage in the planetary gear train according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The fourth clutch C4 and the second and third brakes B2 and B3 are operated at a first forward speed stage D1. In a state that the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the first and seventh rotation shafts TM1 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the second and third brakes B2 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the first forward speed stage, and the first forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second and fourth clutches C2 and C4 and the third brake B3 are operated at a second forward speed stage D2. In a state that the fourth rotation shaft TM4 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the seventh rotation shaft TM7 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the third brake B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the second forward speed stage, and the second forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second clutch C2 and the second and third brakes B2 and B3 are operated at a third forward speed stage D3. In a state that the fourth rotation shaft TM4 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the first and seventh rotation shafts TM1 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the second and third brakes B2 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the third forward speed stage, and the third forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second and third clutches C2 and C3 and the third brake B3 are operated at a fourth forward speed stage D4. In a state that the fourth rotation shaft TM4 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the seventh rotation shaft TM7 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the third brake B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fourth forward speed stage, and the fourth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

In another way, the third clutch C3 and the second and third brakes B2 and B3 may be operated at the fourth forward speed stage D4. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the first and seventh rotation shafts TM1 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the second and third brakes B2 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fourth forward speed stage, and the fourth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second and third clutches C2 and C3 and the second brake B2 are operated at a fifth forward speed stage D5. In a state that the fourth rotation shaft TM4 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the first rotation shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fifth forward speed stage, and the fifth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second, third, and fourth clutches C2, C3, and C4 are operated at a sixth forward speed stage D6. In a state that the fourth rotation shaft TM4 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4 such that the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 become lock-up states. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6 without speed change.

The third and fourth clutches C3 and C4 and the second brake B2 are operated at a seventh forward speed stage D7. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3 and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the first rotation shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the seventh forward speed stage, and the seventh forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The third and fourth clutches C3 and C4 and the first brake B1 are operated at an eighth forward speed stage D8. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3 and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the fifth rotation shaft TM5 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the eighth forward speed stage, and the eighth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The third clutch C3 and the first and second brakes B1 and B2 are operated at a ninth forward speed stage D9. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the fifth and first rotation shafts TM5 and TM1 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first and second brakes B1 and B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the ninth forward speed stage, and the ninth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The first and third clutches C1 and C3 and the first brake B1 are operated at a tenth forward speed stage D10. In a state that the first rotation shaft TM1 is connected to the sixth rotation shaft TM6 by operation of the first clutch C1 and the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM1 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the fifth rotation shaft TM5 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the tenth forward speed stage, and the tenth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3 are operated at a first reverse speed stage REV1. In a state that the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4, the fifth, first, and seventh rotation shafts TM5, TM1, and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the first reverse speed stage, and the first reverse speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The first clutch C1 and the first and third brakes B1 and B3 are operated at a second reverse speed stage REV2. In a state that the first rotation shaft TM1 is connected to the sixth rotation shaft TM6 by operation of the first clutch C1, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the fifth and seventh rotation shafts TM5 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first and third brakes B1 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the second reverse speed stage, and the second reverse speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

Shifting processes of the planetary gear train according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described in detail.

The fourth clutch C4 and the second and third brakes B2 and B3 are operated at the first forward speed stage D1. In a state that the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the first and seventh rotation shafts TM1 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the second and third brakes B2 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the first forward speed stage, and the first forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second and fourth clutches C2 and C4 and the third brake B3 are operated at the second forward speed stage D2. In a state that the second rotation shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the seventh rotation shaft TM7 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the third brake B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the second forward speed stage, and the second forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second clutch C2 and the second and third brakes B2 and B3 are operated at the third forward speed stage D3. In a state that the second rotation shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the first and seventh rotation shafts TM1 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the second and third brakes B2 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the third forward speed stage, and the third forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second and third clutches C2 and C3 and the third brake B3 are operated at the fourth forward speed stage D4. In a state that the second rotation shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the seventh rotation shaft TM7 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the third brake B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fourth forward speed stage, and the fourth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

In another way, the third clutch C3 and the second and third brakes B2 and B3 may be operated at the fourth forward speed stage D4. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the first and seventh rotation shafts TM1 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the second and third brakes B2 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fourth forward speed stage, and the fourth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second and third clutches C2 and C3 and the second brake B2 are operated at the fifth forward speed stage D5. In a state that the second rotation shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2 and the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the first rotation shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the fifth forward speed stage, and the fifth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The second, third, and fourth clutches C2, C3, and C4 are operated at the sixth forward speed stage D6. In a state that the second rotation shaft TM2 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the second clutch C2, the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4 such that the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4 become lock-up states. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6 without speed change.

The third and fourth clutches C3 and C4 and the second brake B2 are operated at the seventh forward speed stage D7. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3 and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the first rotation shaft TM1 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the second brake B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the seventh forward speed stage, and the seventh forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The third and fourth clutches C3 and C4 and the first brake B1 are operated at the eighth forward speed stage D8. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3 and the third rotation shaft TM3 is connected to the fifth rotation shaft TM5 by operation of the fourth clutch C4, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the fifth rotation shaft TM5 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the eighth forward speed stage, and the eighth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The third clutch C3 and the first and second brakes B1 and B2 are operated at the ninth forward speed stage D9. In a state that the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the fifth and first rotation shafts TM5 and TM1 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first and second brakes B1 and B2. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the ninth forward speed stage, and the ninth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The first and third clutches C1 and C3 and the first brake B1 are operated at the tenth forward speed stage D10. In a state that the first rotation shaft TM1 is connected to the sixth rotation shaft TM6 by operation of the first clutch C1 and the input shaft IS is connected to the eighth rotation shaft TM8 by operation of the third clutch C3, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM1 and the eighth rotation shaft TM8. In addition, the fifth rotation shaft TM5 is operated as the fixed element by operation of the first brake B1. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the tenth forward speed stage, and the tenth forward speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3 are operated at the first reverse speed stage REV1. In a state that the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth input shaft TM4, the fifth, first, and seventh rotation shafts TM5, TM1, and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first, second, and third brakes B1, B2, and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the first reverse speed stage, and the first reverse speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The first clutch C1 and the first and third brakes B1 and B3 are operated at the second reverse speed stage REV2. In a state that the first rotation shaft TM1 is connected to the sixth rotation shaft TM6 by operation of the first clutch C1, the torque of the input shaft IS is input to the fourth rotation shaft TM4. In addition, the fifth and seventh rotation shafts TM5 and TM7 are operated as the fixed elements by operation of the first and third brakes B1 and B3. Therefore, the torque of the input shaft IS is shifted into the second reverse speed stage, and the second reverse speed stage is output through the sixth rotation shaft TM6.

The planetary gear train according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may achieve ten forward speed stages and two reverse speed stages by control of four planetary gear sets PG1, PG2, PG3, and PG4, four clutches C1, C2, C3, and C4, and three brakes B1, B2, and B3.

In addition, since linearity of step ratios is secured, drivability such as acceleration before and after shift, rhythmical engine speed, and so on may be improved.

In addition, since gear ratio span greater than 9.0 is secured, driving efficiency of the engine may be maximized.

For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “inner” and “outer” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures.

The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventh rotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotation element; and a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth rotation element, an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfth rotation element, wherein the input shaft is directly connected to the fourth rotation element and is selectively connected to the eleventh rotation element, the output shaft is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element, the twelfth rotation element is directly connected to the eighth rotation element, the third rotation element is directly connected to the seventh and tenth rotation elements, the second rotation element is directly connected to the sixth rotation element, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the eighth rotation element, the fourth rotation element is selectively connected to the fifth rotation element, the third rotation element is selectively connected to the fifth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the ninth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing.
 2. The planetary gear train of claim 1, wherein the first rotation element, the second rotation element, and the third rotation element of the first planetary gear set are a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, the fourth rotation element, the fifth rotation element, and the sixth rotation element of the second planetary gear set are a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the seventh rotation element, the eighth rotation element, and the ninth rotation element of the third planetary gear set are a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and the tenth rotation element, the eleventh rotation element, and the twelfth rotation element of the fourth planetary gear set are a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear.
 3. The planetary gear train of claim 2, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets is a single pinion planetary gear set.
 4. The planetary gear train of claim 1, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation element to the eighth rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation element to the fifth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eleventh rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element to the fifth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation element to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the ninth rotation element to the transmission housing.
 5. A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventh rotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotation element; and a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth rotation element, an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfth rotation element, wherein the input shaft is directly connected to the fourth rotation element and is selectively connected to the eleventh rotation element, the output shaft is directly connected to the twelfth rotation element, the twelfth rotation element is directly connected to the eighth rotation element, the third rotation element is directly connected to the seventh and tenth rotation elements, the second rotation element is directly connected to the sixth rotation element, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the eighth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the sixth rotation element, the third rotation element is selectively connected to the fifth rotation element, the fifth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, the first rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing, and the ninth rotation element is selectively connected to the transmission housing.
 6. The planetary gear train of claim 5, wherein the first rotation element, the second rotation element, and the third rotation element of the first planetary gear set are a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear, the fourth rotation element, the fifth rotation element, and the sixth rotation element of the second planetary gear set are a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear, the seventh rotation element, the eighth rotation element, and the ninth rotation element of the third planetary gear set are a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear, and the tenth rotation element, the eleventh rotation element, and the twelfth rotation element of the fourth planetary gear set are a fourth sun gear, a fourth planet carrier, and a fourth ring gear.
 7. The planetary gear train of claim 6, wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets is a single pinion planetary gear set.
 8. The planetary gear train of claim 1, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation element to the eighth rotation element; a second clutch selectively connecting the fifth rotation element to the sixth rotation element; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eleventh rotation element; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation element to the fifth rotation element; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation element to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation element to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the ninth rotation element to the transmission housing.
 9. A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: an input shaft receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft outputting changed torque; a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element, a second rotation element, and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element, a fifth rotation element, and a sixth rotation element; a third planetary gear set including a seventh rotation element, an eighth rotation element, and a ninth rotation element; a fourth planetary gear set including a tenth rotation element, an eleventh rotation element, and a twelfth rotation element; a first rotation shaft connected to the first rotation element and selectively connected to a transmission housing; a second rotation shaft connecting the second rotation element to the sixth rotation element; a third rotation shaft connecting the third rotation element to the seventh and tenth rotation elements; a fourth rotation shaft connected to the fourth rotation element and directly connected to the input shaft; a fifth rotation shaft connected to the fifth rotation element, selectively connected to the transmission housing, and selectively connected to the third rotation shaft; a sixth rotation shaft connecting the eighth rotation element to the twelfth rotation element, selectively connected to the first rotation shaft, and directly connected to the output shaft; a seventh rotation shaft connected to the ninth rotation element and selectively connected to the transmission housing; and an eighth rotation shaft connected to the eleventh rotation element and selectively connected to the input shaft, wherein the second planetary gear set is selectively locked-up by selectively connecting two rotation elements among three rotation elements of the second planetary gear set.
 10. The planetary gear train of claim 9, wherein the first planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a first sun gear as the first rotation element, a first planet carrier as the second rotation element, and a first ring gear as the third rotation element, the second planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a second sun gear as the fourth rotation element, a second planet carrier as the fifth rotation element, and a second ring gear as the sixth rotation element, the third planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a third sun gear as the seventh rotation element, a third planet carrier as the eighth rotation element, and a third ring gear as the ninth rotation element, and the fourth planetary gear set is a single pinion planetary gear set and includes a fourth sun gear as the tenth rotation element, a fourth planet carrier as the eleventh rotation element, and a fourth ring gear as the twelfth rotation element.
 11. The planetary gear train of claim 9, wherein the second planetary gear set is locked-up by connection of the fourth rotation element and the fifth rotation element.
 12. The planetary gear train of claim 11, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the sixth rotation shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the fourth rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eighth rotation shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation shaft to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation shaft to the transmission housing.
 13. The planetary gear train of claim 9, wherein the second planetary gear set is locked-up by connection of the fifth rotation element and the sixth rotation element.
 14. The planetary gear train of claim 13, further comprising: a first clutch selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the sixth rotation shaft; a second clutch selectively connecting the second rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a third clutch selectively connecting the input shaft to the eighth rotation shaft; a fourth clutch selectively connecting the third rotation shaft to the fifth rotation shaft; a first brake selectively connecting the fifth rotation shaft to the transmission housing; a second brake selectively connecting the first rotation shaft to the transmission housing; and a third brake selectively connecting the seventh rotation shaft to the transmission housing. 